Racer X ReduX: The Big Two?
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 | 4:05 PM
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Yeah, you remember the Unadilla National from 2010. It was hyped as a Dungey vs. Stewart battle, with Dungey carrying a seven-race win streak into the race against Stewart’s own personal 24-moto streak dating back to ‘08. But their battle for the win never materialized, as Dungey was on his game and won the first moto, while Stewart struggled….wait, hold that thought.
Only by his own crazy standards, partially set into place by that 24-moto win streak from 2008, did Stewart struggle that day. At Unadilla, Stewart ran second for most of the race, then fell down late, allowing Belgium’s Clement Desalle to take over second. Stewart finished moto 1 in third. He was on the podium. And here’s the key stat: Stewart, straight off the couch, recovering from a wrist injury, riding a bike not even close to set up right, finished third, and what’s more, he beat the fourth-place rider, Andrew Short, by 13 seconds. He also logged the fastest qualifying time that day.
And there you have it. Most consider that Unadilla day a bad one for Stewart, yet he still had most of the field covered. That elite group, which we’ve been calling the Big Five (Villopoto, Dungey, Stewart, Reed and Canard) have proven they can rise above the rest even on their bad days. Dungey, for example, looked off of his game at the last two supercross races this year, and still proceeded to win. You don’t need to speculate on Dungey’s prep for the motocross season—he will be ready. And surely Stewart will be much more prepared and comfortable this weekend at Hangtown than he was that day at Unadilla, so even though you can run “he didn’t even finish the second moto” as an argument against his chances this year, chances are, that’s not going to be a problem this time.
Is the 450 title fight going to be a showdown between Dungey and Stewart?
Simon Cudby photo
So with Stewart and Dungey up to speed and full strength, and the likes of Villopoto, Reed, Canard and Ben Townley out injured, should we just consider this summer the year of the Big Two?
Of course, we don’t want it to be that way. A few weeks ago in this column, I talked about the “Friend Zone” and the group of great, hard working, nice guys, who we would all like to see garner all the love. Jake Weimer, Tyla Rattray, Brett Metcalfe and Short are great guys. Davi Millsaps and Mike Alessi have had career ups and downs, but through it all, no one has actually said those guys are jerks. And if a guy like Josh Grant went from career doldrums to back on top, we’d all be happy for the guy.Everyone wants to see those guys up there, because, first, they’re good dudes, and second, more competition is always welcome. But consider this: the 38 other riders on the gate, like Metcalfe, Alessi, Grant, and Tommy Hahn, have combined for five career 450 MX wins. Stewart has 16 and Dungey has 14. We have yet to see any proof that anyone else can run with the Big Two. Remember, in 2010, Dungey won 10 of 12 races and took the title by 145 points. In ’08, Stewart won ‘em all. These guys can be hard to contain if let loose.
But while a battle with two riders doesn’t seem as fun to watch as the three (or the elusive forty) rider duel, the history of this sport is littered with two-rider battles, and they don’t disappoint. From Hannah/Howerton to Johnson/Ward to Langston/Brown to, well, the Stewart/Carmichael battles in 2006 and 2007, it’s fun to watch two dudes giving it their all with a full focus on beating no one but the other.
Stewart will make his Suzuki debut in three days at Hangtown.
Garth Milan photo
And we’ve got some history here. Stewart is riding for Suzuki, the team Dungey didn’t want to ride for anymore. Dungey is backed by Roger DeCoster, which makes this seemingly the 1000th series where DeCoster’s main man battles Stewart. Between his years with Carmichael, Dungey, and Reed, Roger must wake up in a cold sweat at night thinking about ways to beat Stewart. And, oh yeah, Suzuki is Roger’s old team, too.
There’s even some personal stuff between Dungey and Stewart, as back in the summer of ’08, when Stewart was embarking on his perfect season, Dungey was staying at his house and riding with him. Somewhere along the way (most point to a first-turn crash at the U.S. Open that Fall) that relationship went off the rails.But that’s just background noise. Don’t expect to see anything bitter to come out of either camp. It’s not in the current personality makeup of the two riders to go there. Dungey, for one, diffuses any and all such drama instantly. And Stewart, I think he’s out here to have fun this summer and enjoy his new bike and team, not start up a personality conflict.
We don’t need it. A 12 round heavyweight slugfest will be exciting enough without the extra stuff. And if any of the other riders can make a battle out of this, things will be even better.
Unless one rider proves so superior to the other that we don’t see much of a battle at all. Does the Big One sound any good?
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I really hate to say it... especially because I am NOT a JS7 fan AT ALL... but I really think he is going to dominate this summer. He is just so dang fast. And put him on a bike that he chose and feels most comfortable on... I don't see anyone keeping up. And I really don't see James crashing that much on the Suzuki. Dunge is fast, but not 'Stewart' fast.
I hope I am wrong! I don't want to watch the JS7 show. Would be nice to get a mix of riders on the podium... and hopefully a few bad races for both Dunge and Stewart just to keep the series interesting.
Wonder what the other pros think about not being in title contention before the first round. Hopefully lights a fire under someone to make the long season not a snoozer.
Not likely yamalink, RV and RD put over 1 min on 3rd many times last year and I don't think any of them got that much faster so It will be IMO JS and RD all summer. Sure there will be a race or 2 that they both fall or get bad starts so others will get up front but head to head side by side not going to happen. i too hope I am wrong but i don't think so.
i have been laughing at the haters sence JS raced the Dilla in 2010 and said all the crap they did and still do, like that one race proved everything. I think he will be very fast and win a lot of moto's.
Bubble's chose the Yamaha also. He is not as fast as he was , and Dungey is gotten a lot faster. Bubble's will crash trying to keep pace of Dungey and wont make the whole season. It will be the bike's fault and not enough testing.
RD and Decoster will come prepared they believe in each other and to do battle against there former manufacture has to be motivation in some way.
JS and suzuki have nothing to loose but alot is on the line for them both. Can't wait to see how the season unfolds, but the first round IMO anything can happen. These Two are the leaders of the pack, but i will be watching the race for 3rd, that should be just as good of a show if not better.
It looks like a two man race for the top spot, but a dog fight for the next 10 spots!!! Ryan will have his hands full with JS's raw speed.. James will get tired before RD...but will he have gapped him enough to hold on to the lead.. What about Alessi who flys at the Hangtown track, we know he has been waiting for this May 19th since the day after the first supercross. Same for Metty, he got thru supercross healthy now his season starts.. Will Shorty regain his holeshot ability of 2010 where his good starts kept him in the top five or will Grant find his speed and be a podium guy..Milsaps Brayton and Weimer can they carry there supercross speed outdoors...Will T Hahn finally have the break out race on his factory Honda or will it be Sipes who surpises us all on the Factory Yamaha... so many Bench racing questions.....some will be answered in three days...some a few weeks later...but the title will go down to the last race as I think the Lucas Outdoor Pro Motorcoss Nationals is going to be the Year of Suprises ....
I have no desire to make any predictions....it's futile to do so.......don't even like making this out to be a two man show.......just hoping that the combo of RD and JS both being on new rides outdoors, JS having been absent for awhile from MX and some very capable and hungry guys in the top ten, will make for some good racing...i think it will!!
Maybe if he wins, He can get my buddy Deadmaus5 or Mr-Mx to turn his rapp crapp!!! For a fee of coarse!!!!
Could there be more of a contrast betwen riders, yet so many similarities? One is party line, PC, and ice runs through his veins. The other is mercurial, flamboyiant, petulant, and passonate. On the other side of the ledger, both will work you under the table, and seem to really value their relationship with the fans. Oh, both will smoke you on your fastest day on your personal track, and do it without any apparent effort.
I really am looking forward to the unstoppable ability meeting the irresistable work ethic and preparation. I am fully hyped and ready for the gate to hit the dirt - Show us what you got, men! We are honored to watch.
Those two are my two favorite riders. I like them both equally and for different reasons. But to be honest here, I think Stewart is going to crush everybody's life this year. I wouldn't be surprised if he won 15 of the 24 rounds. And I don't mean just win them races, but like I said "crush everybody's life". I do think that Dungey will get better starts than Stewart, so that will make for a good battle when Stewart wants to get by him. I can't WAIT for Millville!
Predictions for the whole season will be much easier by next Sunday. A pecking order develops pretty early on.
"Does the Big One sound any good?" I heard Beavis and Butthead giggles in my head when I read that. The mind is a terrible thing.
I give the nod to RD.
JS can't afford a big crash. I see JS top 5 every week and be HAPPY (Sandbagging). But on the other hand, believe me, if JS goes 16-0, don't think the big names are going to sit out and let JS go 24-0.
Ya know, I am a huge Dungey fan, and do not care for Stewart too much. These are personal feelings one way or the other.........
With that said, I am a true fan of motocross racing, and, will always be. This year is unique in that Stewart will be racing the outdoors for the first time since 2008. Stewart is coming off of a bad supercross season from a bike perspective and a mental perspective. He is now on a "Zuki" which is a great race bike. But to me he is a question mark.
However........No one can argue that he still has tremendous speed, argueably a speed that is untouchable by any other healthy racer (RV is hurt). What I will add as the intangible is that he will have to perform for 30+2 twice a day for 12 events in all kinds of weather (mainly hot and humid) which he hasn't done in 3 full years...... Will he be mentally ready, ya I think so, but will he physically ready, I have serious doubts initially. Stewart will be able to work himself into shape in a few short months IMO. The 2 questions I have is 1) will he be able to stay on 2 wheels during this initial 2 month time and 2) will he be able to stay close in points to be in it at the end?????
Dungey will be there the entire season. Bank on that. He will either be winning, or in second place. If Stewart can do the same we are in for a great season.
My wish is for a great season that sees good hard (rubbin OK) racing. No dirty take out moves, and no injuries for any of the riders.
At the end of the 12 race series, the best racer wins. That is my vision of this years outdoor season........THE BEST RACER WINS irrespective of his name or brand that he races.
You're right yamalink. I don't think you're giving Dungey enough credit, Kxpwr18. That guy is fast too, and he doesn't crash big like Stewart will.
Oh how I wish Reed, Canard and Villopoto were lining up as well. Having Stewart back in the outdoors is great but I'll primarily be rooting for RD5.
Stewart has the talent edge in terms of raw speed but he hasn't proven he can sustain focus over the course of a full outdoor (or really even indoor) season in years. Dungey specializes in sustaining focus. Will consistency prevail or simple raw talent? An interesting match up for sure.
Good luck to both!
Good lord, shut up scrub-this.......that made no sense at all. As far as "comfort" goes...ask Reed and he'll tell ya it makes ahuge difference....d-bag!
No predictions here! Hopefully both these guys will stay healthy all season long. They both have a lot on the thier plate. I think if you are riding on the edge, the "comfort level" is gone. Now you are a moto survivalist trying to put the bike on the box. Both RD and lil Stewie will be pushing it because the both have something to prove
http://motocross.transworld.net/1000129770/videos/james-stewart-testing-at-lake-elsinore/
I can't believe how many question if JS is in shape. I think he is fine. BUT like RV last year being out of it for 3 years will make it hard. I can see this either way, If Rd gaps him a bit I will not be shocked and if JS runs away I will not be shocked. Tough call. My Gut says it might take JS a few races to get the feel back.... If he gets it back to where he was when he went at it with RC... Look out!!
bike v rider v team... that is the question
KTM - new bike - and a team that has won a lot RD/RD
Suzuki - great bike - new rider- new team sort of...
Rider v Rider...about equal at this point (at this point)
KTM has advantage Roger knows the old team and bike
still could be anyone's game in the long run.......50/50
haha Stewart can retain focus for outdoors.... Winning 24 straight motos must be him being a money sucking lazy whiner then too....idiots.
Good Vid whatever, Looks good, WAY over the bars like the old days.
I think Millsapps deserves a mention. Maybe he won't have their speed..but he will not be far off I think. The biased side of me hopes Rattray smokes 'em all!!
@BillC....i agree, that is the biggest thing i've noticed about him on the Suzuki!! I just hope his head is in the right place too!!
Tyla Rattray on a Factory Kawasaki could make things interesting.
Good point toslow170! Tyla is a bulldog and has the speed to go with it.
Not expecting a lot. Hope to be wrong. It should have been "THE BIG FOUR."
TYLA RATTRAY COLD BE A FACTOR, AND STEWART IS FAST, BUT EVERYBODY LOOKED THE VIDEO RIDING AT HIS HOUSE, HE KNOWS HIS PERSONAL TRACK WITH BLIND EYES, BUT OUTDOORS IS NOT ONLY ONE TRACK DUDES.
No shit Sherlock!!
I don't think James is faster than Villopoto. Dungey (and also Reed) was able to rise to Villopoto's level with the exception of MXoN '11 and the Monster Cup. Dungey gets discounted for his smooth style more than he should, but the dude is deceivingly fast. Stewart looks pretty damn good, Dungey is damn good, which makes it damn good for us.
I also believe that Hahn, Brayton, Metcalfe, Rattray (sorry Weimer), and Alessi are going to make it interesting.
I have to disagree with Weege's statement that Suzuki is "the team Dungey didn’t want to ride for anymore." Keep Roger and offer a competitive salary, Dunge is still riding yellow. It's financial issues that cost Suzook RD & RD.
Having been a "Suzuki guy" for the past 30 years, my vote goes to Dunge. I definitely think a lot out here are underestimating his speed, and he's a professional at a level above every other rider out there. But it should be interesting....
@thatrider uhm look at the glen helen video, the elsinore video and im sure there are more. Open your eyes, hes fast everywhere.
We'll see after Texas who's in shape.
Memo to Dungey!!! stay healthy and pressure Bubba late. I would let him lead early as a pace car til the 25 minute mark and really pressure him. You will force a mistake (If you need one) and grab the win..He has more pressure on that Suzuki than you did on a KTM at A1 and DON'T FORGET IT!!!! I watched him ride today at Elsinore looked good but not RD and RV pace yet...IMO
@newguy , .....well said.lol @scrubnuts my 'comfort level' goes out then window when you think to hard and @handlebore chimes in with a klan blast. Go Rattray ...grind it out......Brayton AND Short have nothing to lose and everything to gain.....Havoc V.2 with the rubber pointing towards earth is a bad hombre....and RD5 will do what he does ..haul a*s and stay consistent..till it gets late in the season ....then if hes not ahead in points he will have to leave his 'comfort level'.
@thetoothperry116 True dat.
@thetoothperry116 - i was stunned after watching the stewart glen helen video - gnarly stunned
fast does not even begin to describe it - i am still stunned
Good point coolhand.But i think it's going to be a couple of rounds before Stewart really gets going just hope he's close in the points just to keep it interesting.I to like Rattray on the Factory Kawasaki.
Lets just enjoy what should be a great summer with at least TWO of the best in the world outdoors. Not often someone is capable of pushing James Stewart. Ryan Dungey can do that in 2012. The battle for third on back should be total clusterf^%&.
Frankly I lost interest in catchin SX live after Reed augered in. And I'm about but hardcore fan you can get in dirt bikes. The camera coverage needs to be improved. Add some stationary cameras so we can EACH rider get through certain spots. I like watching Fuel TV on the internet when they go to commercial, no anouncing, just the bikes.
I'll be at High Point, Red Bud, Millville and maybe Delmont depending how the series goes.
Guys i just got a new bike and i understand what that vague, unknown feeling is when the bike does something you think it wont. If stewart was facing that at atleast HALF the races on the yam then he did pretty well in my opinion. When i didnt have my bike set up right it probably reduced my speed by 30-40%..
Now james is Comfortable(according to him) and if thats true then it's game over..
Look in the past, it's not like his riding is so much different now that he falls alot because of it. He sure as hell didnt fall when he got the perfect season. 07 or 08?
If him and Suzi get along well it's trouble for everyone
AND the same for RD. Watch RD vs. RV at Pala last year. No body can say he doesnt have that "next level" speed. dudes gnarly.
Also really hope grant and hahn can finally get it together. Big fan of both
I think its sad people are not considering MA #800, he will be there! If James stays healthy and doesnt crash he will be the fastest guy period!
Alex Jaroshevich #268
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knm_skxPpl4
According to david vuilliman(spelling) # 800 was flying this week. dont count him out
I believe stewart will come out swinging,and gonna win some.I also see dungey always being on the podium.Dungey will win the races where bubba crashes,and on his tracks.Even on his bad days he is still 2nd, or 3rd.I'm glad bubba is there,but I dont believe he will be there in the end.Bubba is 1st ,or 40th.
There is a lot of talk about "COMFORT" I can assure you Reed was the most comfortable rider out there when he went orbital at Millville last year.
I see this series as having one important factor!
Is Stewart really ready to go back to " The workman like " standards it takes to go 30+2 for 24 motos. If so, he can and may win the title.
On the other hand, if James is still about looking good " Checkers or Wreckers " and just showing he has the speed to win, yet when the going gets tough checking up and checking out. He will not win the title.
Simple like that boys! Does he really want it in his guts? Or is this going to be more of the same effort we have seen the last couple of years only a different color and level of comfort?
I am really kind of wondering with all this " I just want to go out and have fun talk " Team Zook is really going out of their way to act as if they have only moderate expectations.
James and Suzuki are expected to win period. Question is can he?
@arm01.....your comment is not needed. Why are you stating negativity? Be a positive example of our fan base, not an ignition switch for the haters to overwhelm the comments section.......
@whatever. I just watched your lake elsinore link. JESUS THAT WAS STUPID!!! Totally in a good way.
DANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If stewie gets out top 5......it WILL BE A LONG SEASON FOR EVERYONE ELSE!
Mark my words.
@GOLFYODA HAS SPOKEN.....and yes I would rather have Canard and RV out there.
Weege, what's your deal with Dungey? You never write an article that slightly favors him. Now you write an article with the tone that "Stewart was off his game in 2010" when Dungey kicked his butt. I am going right now to subscribe to Motocross Action Magazine just to spite you.
RacerX: The Nickleback of moto-journalism. Yes, I just said that.
2003RACER8M, James looks fast indeed and I am not slighting him when I say, that track also looked prepped to the point where I could put down the fastest laps I have ever turned anywhere. That is not to say I share speed with anyone in that video, least of all James.
Just saying, that track did not look like a single circuit those guys will face this year, it was as pristine as they come!
Hell Chosen1 might even carry a little pace there!
Kxpwr18: Prepare to be surprised. Dungey by a mile by the end of the year. Bank it.
BillC and some others regulars on here should know better and I'm surprised. RD will run away with this thing. There will be a million excuses but, we're talking JS7 here so that's to be expected. The Dunge took RV to the last race of the season last year on an inferior bike/team that easily cost him 35 points in dnf's and late starts alone. Now he's on a bike that's at least as good as last year and a MUCH better team. Don't forget that he is a year younger than RV and he's just now hitting his prime. He is better outdoors than indoors. BillC Stewart made a FEW outdoor moto's interesting against RC but, for the most part, he got smoked. It was just the typical Stewart hype. TC, RV and the Dunge will dominate JS7 going forward.
I am flabbergasted by RacerX's clear biased reporting. Flabber. Gasted.
Isn't Barcia racing the 450's. He was very impressive last year on a 450.
@j-sloan ...you leavin ? takin your ball and goin home?...let me get a tissue...when you sign up for the other inferior mag take your inferior comments with ya...you are that Bieber chick of commenters ,yes i just said that...and don't forget to take scrubnuts the endless wacky sh*tman and handlebore the klansman with you ...the world here would be a better place. Weege I don't see anything but a nice little article....nothing to get flabbergasteded about...lol @tman sorry bud Barcia 250's till SX.
Will Stewy sack up? That is the question ....
go metty!!!!
I don't know. Dungey is sooooo consistent. I can see him finishing top three (maybe 2) every moto. I have no doubt Stewart will cut the fastest lap on any given day ...... but he has to put A LOT of fast laps together (without incidents) in the season to beat the Dunj. I don't care how good the Suzuki is or how fast he looks blazing a few laps at Glen Helen (with no one on the track to compare against) .... history has proven Stewart more than occasionally makes bad decisions on the track. And it doesn't matter how fast you went for 15 laps in an outdoor race if during one of those laps you were crawling around on your hands and knees without a visor looking for your bike. I still think Dungey will methodically and almost boringly win the series. But Stewart will be the most fun to watch.
Interesting concept Jason. You can see it displayed not only in individual sports but, also in team sports. When the first string suffers from casualties, the second string steps up raises to the occasion. This latter half of the SX season was a good example. I can see all those guys you mentioned, and more, wanting that top box than ever knowing the field has been unfortunately leveled, due to injury.
Not that I don't want the conveniently coined, "Fast Five" healthy and back in the mix by any means. I just believe that the opportunity to push by the guys who are still healthy will create a great summer of outdoor competition. After all, this is the (un-predictable) sport of sports, remember...
@tonewall.....thanks for the shout out.......hopefully, no hard feelings. Opinions are as common as a**holes, everyone has one and they all stink. Hangtown can't come soon enough, then Texas which will separate the men from the boys..........
After Texas we will begin to see who is who for this championship.......
dungey may struggle with his bike outdoors if they were both on the suzuki rd of last year would smoke stewart of this year but if youy listen to the reed podcast on pulpmx he said dungey told goose that they were trying a few different swingarms at lake elsinore last weekend so the bike isnt riding the way dungey wants it to ride so dont expect to see the same dungey that took rv to the end last year i dont think he's very comfortable and if you think back to sx he looked the worst at all the ruff tracks and tracks with whoops so hows he gonna look on a rutted up freestone? we shall soon see but neither rd or js is playing with a full deck of cards they both have factors going against them but even with those factors they will still be way ahead of 3rd place
Hey Scrub....dont generalize dude!! This stew-fan has honestly thought James has looked uncomfortable on the Yamaha for two years now.....and if you really want me too, i will back that up by looking for an old post where i say just that!! I was not digging the JGR?Yamaha deal and also said back then that i thought he went for the "deal" he wanted but not the bike he felt better about!! JGR was saying they would make the bike work, it didn't!! I understand that you and some of the like-minded people on here think the "it's the bike" thing is BS....fair enough as time will certainly tell.........But while i also know that a new bike is no silver bullet, in my opinion i truly believe he looks more like James Stewart than he has in the past couple years!! Time will tell the truth, either way!!
HEY, RacerX~~~~
How about a RV1 update folks....c'mon, seriously......
@TheChosen1 I thought my comments were funny, but I was just being sarcastic. :)
JS may win a few but the pressure and his own issues are the real deal. His family didn't even seem interested in what he was doing and focused more on his brother at the Racer X ride day when I spoke with them.
If I were a betting man I'd....hold on to my money. There's no safe bet between Dungey and Stewart. It's possible Dungey will run away with it, it's possible Stewart will run away with it. It's most likely that they'll go back an forth. Stewart used to race Carmichael to the checkered flag, so he knows what kind of fitness is required to beat someone like Dungey. Should be awesome; I can't wait.
No one on here gets as wound up about anything as ScrubThis gets about the lil'stew- he is not a fan he is a fanatic. Seriously dude you need a hobby.
It's a long season ahead... can't see 1st year Suzuki Rider JS7 dominating (24 motos). Won't happen. There will be surprises... and Dungey will be his usual fast, better-at-outdoors-self and not try to win the title in moto 1 at Hangtown. There are more than 2 guys who will make the 450 class worth watching.
@any -Js7 - fans .... Come on guys ..do your best to not respond to @scrubthis , Lets not give him a platform , and maybe by ignoring him , he will go away ..try real hard !
As usual, those doubting Dungey are in for a surprise. I think Stewart should be able to keep up and do some winning after a few rounds, but you never know...
Someone tell Saturday to HTFU.
@ j_sloan - Stewart WAS off his game. (And RV would've gone 12-0 against Dungey this summer. Ooooh.)
"See a doctor, your erection for Dungey has clearly lasted more than 4 hours."
^teehee
Y'know, I remember a lot of people - a LOT of people - telling us all how Stewart was going to decimate the competition in SX this year. Well, I guess we all know how that turned out.
And here are the same experts - the Yodas and Obi-Wan Kenobis of the MX world - telling us how JS7 is going to destroy Dungey outdoors. Uhhhhh huh.
Will Stewart be faster on the Suzuki? How could he not be?
Might he win some motos? Yup. Might he win the title? Possibly - all it would take is an injury to Dungey - we've seen way too many seasons end early for riders this year. Will he dominate and hand Dungey his butt?
No way.
All I have to say to Jason as that was a great writeup! Very accurate in my book. It's too early to Really know what the summer is going bring. I think after a few races we will kind of see where the riders are at.
J_Sloan, RD has been my guy the past few years, mainly for the reason that everyone considered him an underdog, or ragged on him so hard on here, and wanted to see posters eat their words. But for you to comment on JS's Unadilla ride in 2010 the way you did was wrong. And I think if RD was the one practicing for 3 days, racing a bike with zero outdoor races, and not riding outdoors for several years your opinion would be different. Again this is the problem I have with these boards, 90% of the posts are so biased towards their favorite rider and not the reality of the situation.
I personally think it's going to be a 2 rider series this year. I think Rattray is going to be a solid 3rd.
".... and Mike Alessi have had career ups and downs, but through it all, no one has actually said those guys are jerks."
Well Wege, when it comes to Alessi, you do not share the same universe with nearly every moto-fan I know. Standing on Tedesco's bike? Hyperventilating during nearly any interview. Commodore Tony? "I'm like a Navy SEAL!" The nutball knee thing (he was signed off by a MEDICAL doctor? Sure). The paranoia re the KTM shock thing, etc. Was there EVER a more hated guy (or less gracious winner) than Mike Alessi in the minis? There are 50 more and you know more of them than me.
If Alessi isn't one, just what WOULD constitute a jerk in the world of MX?
Time for all the hype to end and reality to set in.
I predict that Hangtown proves nothing as I also predict Alessi wins it. I just have a feeling. I see Dungey 2nd and Stewart 3rd.......IF he doesn't crash. Still, that won't mean anything until we see what happens in Texas. For the record, I predicted RV would have 9 SX wins in 2012.....but I also predicted James would have 5 and Dungey would have a goose egg. I see there being more than just the Big 2 here though, and am holding out to see if James is even part of that equation. Dungey will win a LOT. Rattray, Alessi, Brayton and others will be a welcome addition near the front. Any doubt Short doesn't get half the holeshots? And Alessi a good amount of the other half? James starts have sucked and I don;pt see that changing. No one ever said the bike was the reason for his crap starts.
I'm still in shock that JSloan and I are agreeing so much all of a sudden. Guess it's a Dungey thing. Let's get this thing started!
@b-kr
I think Vuillemin was saying an improper bike set-up was the cause for Stewart's poor starts. Others said it was his fear of being beaten "straight up" by RV. Neither of those should be an issue now.
Dude was getting holeshots like a crazy person in 2011. (And that's not all he was doing like a crazy person.)
I saw time and time again Stewart getting a good jump and simply shutting off as the rest of the pack went by into turn one. (Go check the GoPro cameras) That is in no way bike setup. It also isn't anything to do with a fear of RV on the other end. I also saw him get some good starts at times. He will need to be top 5 every time though in order to be any kind of consistent threat. I don't recall any crazy person holeshotting in 2011, but if you say so. If that is the case though, it was the same bike and why did they set it up to get crap starts? It's all reaction time, a split second into turn one is the difference between a top 3 start and a 10th place start. Hey, I guess we can blame the Pirellis come to think of it.